A Day in the Studio with Pipa and Rupert
Two beautiful Dalmatians walked into my studio one morning. Rupert is four. Pippa is nine and a half months old, and she was about to go into season, although nobody knew it yet.
“Looking back, it was clearly her hormones, which made her excitable”
They arrived full of energy. Pippa was excited by everything: the new room, the new smells, and Rupert. Looking back, it was clearly her hormones, which made her excitable, a little emotional and very chatty. I wasn't worried for a second. It happens, and it is exactly the sort of thing I plan for.
A calm studio makes a calmer dog
I keep the studio quiet and relaxed on purpose. Gentle music plays through the whole session, there is no rush, and nobody is asked to perform. Dogs pick up on the mood of a room very quickly, so I make sure it is a happy one.
I light everything with professional strobes. That gives me the same clean, consistent light in every frame, however much a dog moves, and it means I can concentrate on the dog rather than the lighting.
Working to the nature of the dog
Every dog is different, so I don't ask for a perfect sit and a stare. I work with who they are.
Rupert is steady and sure of himself. Pippa was boisterous and curious, so I let her move, explore and have a good sniff. I kept the pace slow and waited for the pause, because even the busiest dog gives me one. I photographed each of them on their own, then together.
By the end, both of them were relaxed and clearly enjoying themselves.
The photographs
I photograph every dog to the same high standard, whether they sit beautifully or never stop moving. As a fine art pet photographer, I care about the light, the composition and the finish of each portrait, and I won't hand over anything I'm not proud of.
“Every dog is different, so I don't ask for a perfect sit and a stare. I work with who they are.”
These came out beautifully. Pippa has real life in her face, even on her most boisterous day, and Rupert looks every bit the handsome gentleman.
A note from Luke
If your dog is excitable, nervous or just not quite themselves on the day, that is completely fine. I will work with them, and there is always time. If you are looking for Devon pet photography that suits your dog's own character, I would love to hear from you.
I'm Luke, a fine art pet photographer and a South Devon pet photographer, based at Legacy Hound Studio, Unit 5, Grosvenor House, Belgrave Lane, Mutley, Plymouth, PL4 7DA. I have spent my life around dogs, and I love photographing every one of them.
